The voice of SIU sports featured at Kiwanis

Friday

Jan 18, 2013 at 5:00 PM

There are many fans and alumni of Southern Illinois University in the area. One of the ways to stay connected with the school is through the broadcast of the games, and Mike Riess has provided that connection for the past 34 years. Riess, a graduate himself of SIU, was the guest speaker at Kiwanis Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013 and updated the club on the sports programs at the Carbondale location.

Tammy Knox

There are many fans and alumni of Southern Illinois University in the area. One of the ways to stay connected with the school is through the broadcast of the games, and Mike Riess has provided that connection for the past 34 years. Riess, a graduate himself of SIU, was the guest speaker at Kiwanis Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013 and updated the club on the sports programs at the Carbondale location.

Born in Cleveland and raised in Cincinnati, Riess moved with his family to Chicago when he was a junior. He always had a love for sports and knew at an early age he wanted to pursue a career in broadcasting. His interests led him to SIU and two days after he graduated, he landed the job he currently holds as the radio play by play announcer for the Salukis.

Riess began by commenting on the great success the SIU broadcasts have experienced through their connection with WRUL in Carmi. He commended Station Manager JC Tinsley for his work in bringing the games to the station and noted the audience from the station is bigger than any of the other nine radio station signals in the area. Riess said there are many SIU alumni and Saluki fans in the Evansville, Ind. area. They can receive the signal from WRUL and follow the live broadcasts of the football and basketball games and the partnership has been very successful.

Named 2011 Illinois Sportscaster of the Year, Riess talked about the history of some of the coaches he has covered over the years and noted Kiwanis member Chris Myers played for two different coaches while wearing a Salukis uniform during his college playing days. He also talked about the extreme impact Coach Rich Herrin had at SIU and credited him with keeping the athletic programs alive and thriving at the school during his tenure.

With basketball in full force at SIU, Riess quickly turned his attention to the current program. He said after 34 years in the announcer's booth, he didn't think he could be surprised, but a recent statement by first year coach Barry Henson on his post game show left him almost speechless.

"Just when I think I've seen and heard everything, I get surprised," said Riess. "Des Jackson is averaging 17 points per game and is the third best player in the conference and listed as the sixth best rebounder. He is by far the best player SIU has this year. Henson came on the show after the game and said that he had bought a bus ticket for Des, and if he doesn't shape up, he's shipping him out."

Henson's words proved to be inspirational to Jackson, who has returned with vigor and stepped up his game. Riess noted that Jackson has had a rough start in life and virtually no family support growing up. As a result, most of his issues were off the court rather than on the court, but he took Henson's word to heart and has turned around.

"Jackson doesn't put enough effort and doesn't guard well enough like Henson would like," said Riess. "This was Henson's way of enforcing the issue. Jackson responded and that statement woke the whole team up. They are struggling to keep up. Sometimes there are five guards on the floor and they are lacking in height."

When asked if Henson is the right fit for SIU, Riess responded with an explanation of Henson and what he is doing at SIU.

"His hiring was not welcomed by a minority of people, largely because of the rivalry of where he came from in Oklahoma," said Riess. "Any sort of change to 60 percent of the fans was wanted. But whether you are pro Henson or against him, you have to recognize this is a well coached team. They are putting out the best they can, they just are not good enough. It's hard for them to win a road game but I think they will surprise a few folks at home. If Henson can recruit, I believe he is the answer for SIU."

Riess went on to explain his reasoning behind any coach and college basketball recruiting. He says Henson is adamant and optimistic to recruit guys that can shoot and guys he can coach. Riess said the third year now matters in college basketball and he is convinced it is all about recruiting.

Riess also noted attendance is up for the basketball program, but when asked which could use a boost more at SIU, basketball or football, Riess explained basketball needs the edge.

"It is best for Southern if basketball is doing well," said Riess. "Right now, football is averaging 10,000 and basketball is averaging 5,000 in attendance. Life is better when basketball is in the 7,000 range. It's amazing where the athletics are now since 2007. The new football stadium is amazing and a good value. It's definitely worth the 90 minute drive to attend a game."

Riess also talked about the Missouri Valley Conference and if it would break up. He said it all depends on Creighton. There is a lot of speculation they would move. He said they have a great stadium and a good sports program and are a good fit in the Missouri Valley Conference. Riess feels if they leave it could be a domino effect. He did, however, think that nine of the 10 schools would stay in the conference.

Riess also talked about girls sports and the fact that SIU would like to add to the female enrollment. He simplified the explanation of Title 9, saying if 60 percent of the enrollment is male, then only 60 percent of athletics can be male. He said the addition of women's soccer could attract 30 new females and has been looked at by the university. Right now, SIU has an enrollment of 18,000 but would like to get to 20,000. He said the football program could possibly move up to division one but it would be for financial reasons due to revenue available for that level.

Riess also briefly talked about the current baseball program. He said they have some prospects but they are sophomores. He went on to say they could be SIU's best baseball team in a long time and if SIU can get good defensive play, they could be an NCAA team. He also noted this could be the final year for baseball at Abe Martin field and fundraising is already underway to build a new facility.

"This could be a really good year for SIU baseball," said Riess. "If they are in the top three in the Missouri Valley league, they will be a legitimate post season threat."

Prior to the program, President Glenn Coleman reminded the club of the upcoming Division 33 Bowlathon in Mt. Vernon, Ill. and circulated a sign up sheet for a team for the event. Chris Myers is heading up the group that will participate in the fundraiser for spastic paralysis.

Also, Dr. Amy Dixon brought five third grade students to Kiwanis to honor them as top students at Jefferson Attendance Center. Those in attendance included Gracia Brockett, Jacob Pennington, Kenseth Rountree, Brianna Johnson and Cameron Mason.

Finally, the club was reminded of the Tri Club Valentine's Day Party, which will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14 at the American Legion. The program will include a combination of members from Kiwanis, Rotary and Lions Clubs in Carmi.

Next weeks' program will be presented by Megan Campbell of Lux Home Décor, the new store located at the corner of Cherry and Walnut Streets in the former Logo Graphics location. Campbell will talk about her decorating concepts as well as some of the items available in her store.

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